The Indian cricket team recently announced their Champions Trophy squad, which came as expected to many, but for some, it was a shock. They believe there are a few names who could have been included, and their absence left many feeling that these players could have worked as trump cards. Especially some of the CSK players, who many believed could have done better for India in Champions Trophy campaign. The men in blue will play all their games in Dubai, with crucial matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. If they qualify, the semifinals will also be in Dubai. Also, the final will be at the same venue.
However, as mentioned, some believe there are players from the five-time champions CSK mix who could have made a difference. Let’s take a look at two of the best names who could have done well for India if they were in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube, who was part of the T20 World Cup 2024 India team that won the silverware, has not had big runs in the ODIs so far. However, this middle-order batter could have proven his aggressive run-scoring abilities. He is not in the team at the moment, as India has Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, along with Washington Sundar as backup, meaning the team has only one fast-bowling all-rounder. Dube could have made a difference, though there is doubt about his place in the Indian ODI side. Still, his aggressive batting and ability to bowl in the middle overs could have been valuable, especially if slow pitches come in Dubai. Known for attacking spinners, Dube could have accelerated India’s innings during the middle overs.
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Chennai Super Kings skipper is the first name to be on the list, as he has performed decently well in the IPL and domestic cricket across all formats in recent years. He has always been on the line for making it into the Indian squad permanently but not getting that. Although he has already played quite a few matches for India, he has now failed to make it into the Champions Trophy squad. The best place for him to bat is at the top, but now with Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill set for the role, there is no space for Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, he could have been suited for the slow pitches in Dubai, even as a reserve player.
Yes, the team has Yashasvi Jaiswal, but considering Gaikwad’s experience, he could have been the best-suited option. Apart from that, he did decently well in the recently held Vijay Hazare Trophy. Although not big scores in nine matches, he made 187 runs with an average of 37.80. What stood out was his adaptability to the middle order, and he would have played his best cricket in Dubai if he had been in squad.
